Disillusionment with the Anglican Church probably started around the time the poetic King James Bible was abandoned and replaced with a modernised version in the vernacular. Readings from the Bible, which I had been brought up with, had lost that sense of awe. The Creed was rewritten and even the Lord's Prayer was modernised so that these now had to be read rather than 'recited' in an attempt to try and popularise the services.
It is my belief that if we are to grow spiritually there needs to be a shift in consciousness which can only be achieved through silence.... .and structured religion seemed to completely miss the point.
It didn't much help when guitars were introduced and the services started to feel more like a cabaret act with entertainment seemingly being the main purpose. There was no room for any quiet reflection and contemplation.
I then stumbled upon Buddhism and liked the emphasis placed on silent meditation and the logical teachings which were always open to discussion. The spiritual journey was inward and did not require hymns and long winded and often pointless sermons. However, the teachings ceased when the teacher moved away. My mother, who had attended Quaker meetings, suggested this as an option and I found what I had been looking for.
I believe that creative ability comes out of quiet reflection and in these days of increased secularism, where time appears to have speeded up, it is refreshing to have the opportunity at the beginning of the week to be able to sit and reflect with like minded people for one uninterrupted hour .... where time appears to stand still!
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